Register to read, research, and engage with the industry on CreditUnions.com. Gain access to credit union performance analysis, case studies, and more. It's free to create an account.
Learn More About Peer-to-Peer
Upgrade Your Subscription
Update Your Company Affiliation
Marc Ernest oversees a holistic approach to building business relationships at Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union.
Which credit unions lent the highest percentage of their total assets through the Paycheck Protection Program?
Which credit unions led the nation in the number of Paycheck Protection Program loans funded?
Sign up for the CreditUnions.com free newsletter and be the first to read our newest coverage of credit union strategies and insights.
sign up today
Which credit unions led their states in the number of Paycheck Protection Program loans funded?
Five can't-miss data points this week on CreditUnions.com.
STCU’s business and commercial services department is working to provide a full relationship that takes into account deposits and other needs as much as loan balances.
Five ways to serve members by providing the credit they need, when they need it.
New programs at Purdue Federal ensure relationships with business members transcend the transaction.
The Michigan credit union treats microloan borrowers as people, not corporations, and links up with local and state economic developers to go beyond lending.
The Michigan credit union relies on experience and commitment to help small- business owners achieve their dreams.
These credit unions rallied around the needs of members to uncover hidden potential in the loan portfolio.
Since 2013, Innovations FCU has worked to serve the full business services needs of its low-income membership. In the wake of Hurricane Michael, the need may be greater than ever.
Commercial loans comprised 6.9% of the total lending portfolio at U.S. credit unions, an increase of 19 basis points from the same time last year.
Twenty-five years in, the Treasury Department program’s roster is dominated by member-owned cooperative financial institutions, who find a precise mission fit.
How has lending changed in the year after the NCUA revised the 5300 Call Report business loan schedule?
Six can't-miss data points this week on CreditUnions.com.
The Palmetto State cooperative encourages small businesses to think big with banking, management, and consulting services.
Five can’t-miss data points this week on CreditUnions.com.
How 121 Financial’s own members serve as a catalyst for business lending and services growth at the Florida cooperative.
Veterans programs, financial wellness, and food donation are three ways the Kentucky credit union serves its local citizens.
Credit unions in the Mid-Atlantic reported faster MBL growth than credit unions outside the region. In what other areas did these Mid-Atlantic cooperatives excel?
Credit unions continue to invest in local businesses within their communities in 2017.
A strong operation in rural Minnesota helps SouthPoint Financial Credit Union meet members where they are.
Community Choice Credit Union kept lending while the economy tanked and now is riding a new wave of MBL activity.
Based on January traffic (and our editorial instincts), here are the top articles and blogs that appeared on CreditUnions.com.
Growth percentiles in major lending categories highlight opportunity and success in the credit union loan portfolio.
Four can’t-miss data points this week on CreditUnions.com.
Charlotte Metro Credit Union manages risk while growing business deposits and loans faster than credit union averages.
MBL originations grow 10 percentage points faster than last year.
Credit unions across the nation have helped drive their local economies by increasing their investments in small business.
New economic realities pushed SouthPoint Financial to expand into other segments of its loan portfolio. Here’s how it handled the exponential growth that followed.
The ANATOMY series is a quarterly, multi-feature profile that explores the strategies and analyzes the performance of an exemplary credit union.
See why member business loans are one of the fastest growing loan segments in the credit union loan portfolio.
Credit unions that participate in member business lending, a full 35.9% of the industry, posted 15.2% year-over-year growth, and total MBL balances hit a record high of $62.7 billion as of March 31, 2017.
Credit unions lent $461.2 billion throughout 2016, surpassing 2015 totals by 12.3%. See how top, middle, and lagging performers differed.
Five can't-miss data points featured this week on CreditUnions.com.
Twenty-eight graphs, charts, and maps that evaluate credit union performance in the fourth quarter of 2016.
Non-member deposits join indirect lending, MBLs, and loan participations as liquidity strategies.
The strong lending growth posted by U.S. credit unions in fourth quarter 2016 is an apt wrap-up for a successful year.
Credit unions originated $343.6 billion through third quarter 2016 — that's an all-time record. See which areas contributed to this double-digit year-over-year growth.
Fourth quarter trends suggest credit unions will break MBL records.
Five lessons in setting short- and long-term goals.
Twenty-eight graphs, charts, and maps that evaluate credit union performance in the third quarter of 2016.
Shares, member business loans, and the fallout from the Wells Fargo scandal. How did credit unions perform in the third quarter?
The industry sets new records as the portfolio tops $58 billion. The top 10 list spans the nation.
To keep up with share growth and diversity, Interra Credit Union rebuilt its lending department into five divisions, including agribusiness, business services, and more.
Check out how the credit union loan portfolio fared in the first six months of 2016.
Twenty-eight graphs, charts, and maps that evaluate credit union performance in the second quarter of 2016.
How crowdfunding provides an actionable game plan for credit unions to help rejuvenate their local economy, and the case for credit unions to get started.
Twenty-eight graphs, charts, and maps that evaluate credit union performance in the first quarter of 2016.
Credit union lending reached a record high of $796.5 billion in 2015 as cooperatives posted year-over-year growth in every major loan category.
The demand for member business loans and services is growing, and offering MBL options are one way to remain competitive in the financial industry.
A break down of the industry’s financial performance and impact in fourth quarter 2015.
These credit unions are moving the needle on SBA lending, ensuring small businesses get the financing they need to flourish.
In 2012, Mazuma Credit Union completely overhauled its member business lending strategy. Now, it shares some do’s and don’ts on how to do it the right way.
This week on CreditUnions.com, we highlight different ways credit unions are bringing in new staff and creating new teams to meet different opportunities.
Before year-end data closes the books on 2015, take a look at these successes in the credit union loan portfolio.
In episode No. 544, Callahan director of industry analysis Sam Taft talks with Mike Lawson about the increase in member business lending activity at credit unions.
Agency rule seen as especially favorable for real estate lending as regulatory relief languishes on Capitol Hill.
With more than 85% of the industry reporting in Callahan & Associates’ FirstLook Program, early data trends suggest another quarter of double-digit loan growth.
This week, CreditUnions.com is featuring performance data and vetted strategies from leaders in the lending sphere.
A dedicated team and executive oversight has allowed Listerhill Credit Union to open the floodgates to member business loan growth.
A break down of the industry’s financial performance and impact in third quarter 2015.
SECU of Maryland’s move to bring its business lending operations in-house resulted in a return on investment in the range of 250 to 300 basis points.
This week, CreditUnions.com looks at popular credit union lending strategies, from decentralized lending across hundreds of branches to a member business loan program 10 years in the making.
Leaders from Illinois-based 1st MidAmerica Credit Union share what an MBL program 10 years in the making looks like.
The fine print counts, so here are some common terms found in commercial loan documents spelled out in plain English.
Credit unions are exceeding goals and breaking records quarter after quarter. In such an ideal environment, why are some still looking for the next challenge?
A monthly collection of Callahan content that, together, addresses a single topic from a variety of perspectives.
Small or large, ensuring the right business lending specialist has experience and talent is key to successful partnership.
How better portfolio tracking, a grounded MBL roster, and support from a broad line of CUSOs are helping Mazuma make a mark in the Kansas City area.
What do screen doors, Uncle Sam, and David Fincher all have to do with credit unions?
Greater Nevada Credit Union shares its business blueprint for creating holistic relationships with a spectrum of partners.
A break down of the industry’s financial performance and impact in 1Q 2015.
When it comes to influencing regulators, whether credit union bills make it into law is often not as important as the attention they attract. Here's an update on why.
A break down of the industry’s financial performance and impact in 4Q 2014.
How much money did credit unions lend in 2014? How much higher were the interest rates they offered on deposit products? How many workers did they employ? All that and more in this year's report.
Emerging technology is addressing back-end automation and front-end security within the credit union walls.
A break down of the industry’s financial performance and impact in 3Q 2014.
Which loan strategies resonated with CreditUnions.com readers this year? Find out in this top 10 countdown.
A credit union can meet the need of small business owners in its membership without creating undue risk in its loan portfolio.
Business lending is playing a larger role at credit unions and accounts for 6.4% of the industry's loan portfolio.
Incubators and other like-minded organizations help credit unions connect with entrepreneurs and new business.
Cultivating tomorrow’s MBL success starts with serving a wider spectrum of borrower demographics and business needs today.
A break down of the industry’s financial performance and impact in 2Q 2014.
Like in the classic Atari game, a solid offense is the best way to defend against outside companies coming between you and your members. The business models of these popular companies compete with credit unions, so know what makes them appealing to users and how to replicate or enhance those experiences in your own offerings.
Self-Help’s independent loan fund allows it to meet the needs of underserved borrowers without creating undue risk.
A nonprofit affiliate allows Santa Cruz Community to advance where larger institutions fall short.
The first six months of 2014 have been all about lending lending lending — and credit unions have the performance to prove it.
To draw inspiration for new services, processes, and products, credit unions need to look outside the financial industry.
CreditUnions.com shines the light on credit unions that are using a bit of ingenuity to bring un- and underbanked consumers into the credit union fold.
Three ways credit unions can connect with one segment of overlooked, underserved business borrowers.
A break down of the industry’s financial performance and impact in 1Q 2014.
One New York credit union nurtures startups and established businesses in the nation’s most competitive city.
Pennsylvania’s Members 1st Credit Union offers merchant and member business lending as part of its diverse loan suite.
When banks couldn't make development loans during the recession, Community First captured the business instead.
nCino CEO Pierre Naudé, winner of NACUSO’s Next Big Idea competition, talks his system, lending opportunities at credit unions, and cloud-based computing at financial institutions.
Why your next business loan may come from a community college event, an incubator partnership, or other outside resources.
Credit unions have much to celebrate when they visit their legislators during this year's GAC. Here are five significant ways credit unions impacted their communities and members in 2013.
The industry's MBL portfolio is growing as more credit unions step into small businesses lending.
Credit unions can finally settle the tax exemption issue by rallying the base or striking a bargain.
These three far-sighted strategies can help remove roadblocks and provide a path to increased member business lending.
Heritage FCU demonstrates how a little creativity can go a long way in adapting traditional strategies to an evolving loan environment.
Honda FCU has saved its single SEG millions of dollars while diversifying its own income stream and generating positive earnings.
Up-and-coming products will impact the relationship between credit unions and their members.
Offering insurance at the close of each loan can complete your institution’s lending strategy and provide optimal member service.
Take an in-depth look at Heritage Federal Credit Union's competitive processes.
How Members Choice Credit Union started an SBA lending department to spark new business in the Houston area.
The high-stakes, high-dollar value of commercial lending boosts and diversifies Technology Credit Union’s loan portfolio.
Maps Credit Union ($460M; Salem, OR) is a leader in online and mobile technology, and has created an impressive array of CUSOs to support its operations as well as the those of its peers.
Best practices for balancing financial dynamics, product selection, underwriting flexibility, and the business population.
This credit union knows how to make the best of hard times and capitalize on good ones.
Maps Credit Union is an innovation goldmine in an Oregon valley.
Mark Ritter, VP of Business Lending Sales, shares how Members 1st created an annual Business Services Workshop to network and increase its participation program.
As the credit union MBL portfolio increases, the nation’s cooperative financial services providers find ways around the lending cap.
Credit unions boost entrepreneurialism through filling the demand for small business loans.
Credit unions are triggering local economic rebounds in housing, employment, and small businesses.
Michigan State University FCU invests in entrepreneurs to retain young membership and jump-start community businesses.
A diverse mix of loan products has enabled Members 1st Federal Credit Union to post impressive growth numbers while providing for a community with differing needs.
121 Financial Credit Union is finding its business lending program is paying off in mortgages and SBA loans.
Numerica Credit Union has $150 million in small business loans, lending to local businesses that typically get overlooked by banks.
Get an in-depth perspective on Members 1st Federal Credit Union's successful lending strategies.
The reintroduced member business lending bill has been a hot topic of discussion.
There's no place like Spokane, WA when it comes to markets that are favorable toward credit unions.
Credit unions are lending to businesses at a record pace, a trend which is helping boost local economies, says Callahan & Associates’ analyst Andrew Bolton.
Cooperatives increased the volume of member business loan originations to $11.9 billion in 2011, from a previous high of $11.3 billion in 2008.
The first wave of credit unions reporting fourth quarter financials reveals that the pace of loan originations has picked up over 2010 levels.
Credit unions can stimulate the local economy and foster job creation by loaning to entrepreneurs.
Credit unions that maximize their business lending do a service to their communities as well as their bottom lines.
Credit unions that maximize their business lending do a service to their communities as well as their bottom line.
Year-to-date loan originations are up for co-ops in the third quarter of 2011, according to early data.
Two Callahan employees take opposing sides of an old, but still hot, debate.
Small business trends suggest communities benefit from credit unions' support of small business.
Business Lending Group, a Wisconsin-based MBL CUSO, helps credit unions enter new markets and helps members turn ideas into reality.
Business lending CUSOs are a valuable resource for the revitalization of local economies.
To take the pulse of collaborative business lending, CUSP gathered three business lending CUSO CEOs to discuss the markets they serve, why experience is so important, and what consolidation means for the future of their businesses.
Credit unions across the country are using their knowledge of local markets to boost the community's economy.
New ways to save, the push for cyber-security stars, and states that help businesses flourish. Also: ROBOTS IN DISGUISE.
A 5-year perspective on how credit union lending has changed.
Credit unions need to understand how small businesses operate to maximize the chance to help them.
Small businesses drive communities, and credit unions should develop relationships with them whenever possible.
One Virginia credit union shows what a focused plan can do for small business relationships.
Local merchants need a financial institution, and credit unions must offer them a complete relationship.
Texas leaders in business lending as a percentage of total loans.
Jobs numbers, spending, and Facebook mean something to credit unions during the week of April 4.
The industry responded to member need in 2010 and positioned itself for the tremendous opportunity for the coming year.
Small business lending remains a national focus, but credit unions aren’t always top of mind for business owners ... yet.
Achieving success on and off the balance sheet is possible but requires strategic positioning.
Rising gas prices and the new rules of employment dominate the discussion for the week of March 14.
Be the go-to lender for community retailers and maximize the value (and return) of being a local credit provider.
Fees are causing a stir, and small companies are feeling more confident.
Callahan's weekly look at the economic headlines that highlight credit union challenges and opportunities.
Grants, legislation, and grassroots support can leave small businesses primed for success, but some owners aren’t biting when it comes to hiring opportunities.
As 2010 comes to a close, economic releases are revealing surprising strength in the U.S. economy.
The debate over lifting the MBL cap warrants a deeper look into the history of small business and credit unions.
New data suggests the job market is slowly heating up. Credit unions can fan the flames.
Fresh demand for downtown office space is leaving the suburbs vacant. Credit unions can even the scales.
Credit unions have turned in strong financial performances throughout 2010.
Small businesses are back in the hiring game, and credit unions can help them drive forward faster.
With the right products, know-how, and partnerships, credit unions can tap into the growing small business sector.
The role of credit unions in small business extends beyond just financing.
Strong growth and increasing demand creates an important role for member business lending in the loan portfolio.
Credit unions balance business loan demand by cheering for the little guy.
Voters knocked. Now credit unions can help elected officials answer.
Amid a harsh business climate these credit unions are lending to kick-start the economy.
Small businesses are thriving. What can credit unions learn from the mighty mites?
In late July, Inland Empire community leaders sent NCUA a letter about Arrowhead’s conservatorship. On August 10, NCUA responded but failed to address the writers’ chief concern — when will they get their credit union back?
Congress has yet to get the message that credit unions want to do more to help local business, but we can still do a lot with what we have now.
For the one-third of credit unions that participate in member business lending, government restrictions influence their business models and local economies.
Past structural changes at NCUA are relevant to today’s credit union environment.
The Fed’s recovery strategy increases attention to small businesses. Is the credit union system aligned in meeting this need?
Member business lending is bucking the 12-month trend of flat loan growth in the industry’s loan portfolio.
A look at Bank of America and the credit union system during the Great Recession.
Banking lobbying group’s argument against raising the MBL cap? Self-interest.
Public policy efforts for 2010 focus on initiatives that benefit Main Street, where credit unions live and work.
Credit unions should compare its ALL with its peers to create a ALL policy that guides decisions and benchmarks performance.
Converting opportunity into results is an industry challenge for 2010.
Economic growth in the U.S. turned positive during the second half of 2009. The question now is, how strong will the recocery be as we move through 2010? Based on a number of macroeconomic trends, we expect to see slower growth than the consensus.
Member business lending has become a staple for credit unions and continues to be a success.
John Wade of the SBA discusses trends in member business lending, demand for credit by small businesses, the MBL cap, and the proclivity of credit unions to help small businesses.
Tightened standards at banks have reduced the availability of loans for small business owners. The need for small business loans is now greater than the supply.
Four graphs explore differences in asset quality by region of the country.
The extension of S.B.A. Loan Guarantees gives further incentive for credit unions to prove their worth.
A glimpse at the cheer worthy, jeer worthy, and tear worthy stories for the week of March 1, 2010.
Hot-topic measures up for discussion at the GAC are geared to expand the capacity of the credit union industry to make an impact on local economies.
Tuesday's Washington Post profiled Mid-Atlantic Financial Partners, a business lending CUSO operating out of the DC Metro Area.
When offering business cards, there are five key things to know about small businesses.
Public discussion has interwoven two themes over the past few weeks: The U.S. needs jobs, and credit unions need loans.
As a community credit union, our focus has always been on making an impact at the local level. A large component of this has been the services and products we offer to our members who own and run small businesses. However, our ability to continue doing so is in jeopardy.
MidWest America has been growing at a healthy rate all the while cutting spending, in no small part because employees submit good cost-trimming ideas.
Member business lending continues to outpace other components in credit unions’ loan portfolio. As FDIC insured institutions continue to tighten their lending standards, credit unions are filling in the gap by providing more members with business loans.
By revamping an existing business lending program, Randolph-Brooks drove dramatic growth without compromising their strong member service.
For the most recent edition of Callahan & Associates' CUSO Guide, Networks & Niches, we sat down with three regional MBL CUSO CEOs to discuss their perspectives on the current marketplace.
Although banks did ease lending standards from the third quarter, fourth quarter results show credit unions growing their loans to businesses by 18.3%.
With a design that withstands serious economic stress, credit unions saw posted near-record loan growth while other institutions are scaling back.
By revamping an exisiting business lending program, Randolph-Brooks drove dramatic growth without compromising their strong member service.
As of June 2008, member business loans are the fastest growing loan category for credit unions. Annual growth reached 18.1% in June for a total outstanding balance of $24.6 billion.
As big banks tighten their commercial lending standards, credit unions can become a vital credit source to help small businesses grow.
As national and regional banks pull back from the small business market due to tighter underwriting standards, credit unions are presented with an opportunity to expand their foothold in this market.
As other financial institutions pulled back from the market, the credit union loan portfolio posted strong growth in many key areas during 2008.
The economic stimulus package signed into law last week could positively impact results in 2008 if credit unions act quickly to ensure members understand how they can help them maximize the tax benefits.
With banks pulling back from small business lending as a result of the credit crunch, credit unions have an opportunity to build relationships with their members in this area. What issues will arise along the way to offering business services and accounts?
In an increasingly competitive environment, the account services that small businesses require are growing. Credit unions must ensure all of these needs are met in order to grow the relationship with the business.
Local banks were not providing good business service lending, so Arizona State stepped in with a full range of popular services.
Business lending is becoming an increasingly important service to provide members. How are credit unions with significant experience in this area performing against ones that have become more recently involved? Some interesting results arise.
Non member loan participation and SBA programs help credit unions in the secondary market.
While representing just a shade more than 5% of total loans, member business lending is certainly the fastest growing sector for many credit unions.
Member business lending has been the fastest growing category of the lending portfolio over the last few years. To what extent have credit unions been assisting new businesses over the years using construction and development loans?
Continuing change was the theme for credit unions in 2006.
Member Business Lending (MBL) provides credit unions the opportunity to maintain and grow financial relationships with their members. With half the US economy based on small businesses, credit unions can’t afford to not offer this service to their members.
Share growth is rebounding in the fourth quarter, while loan products continue their solid performance.
This final article in a three-part series on serving small business members addresses meeting their needs throughout their business’ life cycle while increasing retention, improving economic return and creating barriers to member attrition.
Important steps in targeting and marketing to small business needs.
Lending is on the rise across the board, but business loans have had the strongest growth during the past twelve months.
In the previous part of this series, we discussed the importance of cash management tools for small business owners. In this portion, we talk about the critical role online resources play in helping small business owners and how online resources can help credit unions generate new business loans.
In this series, we examine small business owners’ priorities and how credit unions that offer business loans can better serve them. This week’s topic is Cash Management.
Member business lending continues be a fast growing lending area for credit unions. Find out where the industry stands in member business lending at year-end and what opportunities lie ahead.
Business loans were the fastest growing loan product in 2004. CUSOs allow credit unions to pool their resources and meet member needs.
Members' requests are prompting the creation of business lending programs at many credit unions. Learn factors contributing to the success of new business lending programs.
Many credit unions are growing their lending portfolio through member business lending. The foundation for a successful program is an all-encompassing strategy.
Second Quarter 2004 rankings of Member Business Lending: View a graph of industry trends and a leader table of the top 50 credit union performers.
As more credit unions add member business loans to their lending portfolio, they need to develop an effective strategy to create a strong and successful member business lending program. On Wednesday April 28th, 25 credit unions participated in a Callahan's webinar on this topic.
As the popularity of member business lending has increased, credit unions have been increasing the average balance of their member business loans. This number became very significant beginning in 2001 when the average credit union member business loan balance surpassed the average credit union first mortgage balance. In 2003, the average member business loan was $141,920.